Jody’s Beans is a great way to get ready for spring, and the growing season. I love the sweet illustrations and the wondrous tale of the real-life adventure of growing bean seeds. It truly is magical how seeds can sprout given some sunshine, dirt, and water, and this book captures the magic perfectly. I like the connection between the little girl and her grandfather and how the mom’s expanding tummy, with a baby inside, parallels the growing of the seed. I am hoping this book inspires me to plant some bean teepees like it did for my sister to do with her littles a few years ago. 5 out of 5 stars!

We have been on an Amy Krouse Rosenthal kick! I love her books! The one above is a story about a pair of chopsticks. The two chopsticks are inseparable until one gets broken and has to be repaired. The other one is at a loss as to how to get along. But then after a while, he figures it out. Then the other chopstick comes back and they have joyful reunion. A clever tale about friendship, independence, and adaptability! 5 out of 5 stars!

Another winner from Rosenthal! Spoon feels envy at all the other things that the other utensils in the silverware drawer can do that he can’t. In the end, he gets a reminder that he is in the same enviable position for these other utensils. This book has some great puns and charming illustrations. It’s a terrific launching pad for parents and kids to discuss talents, gifts, and the different natures of people. 5 out of 5 stars!

I might have blogged about this already. It’s just such a cute book it’s still on my mind. Shark and Train have a debate about who is better. It all depends on the circumstances. One is better at diving, but the other is better at selling lemonade. I love reading books like this where every single page has some delightful phrase, riddle, or clever word trick. This is such a creative, fun book, that teaches we are better at different things, and can still be friends! 5 out of 5 stars!